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Even in a destination as family-friendly as Thailand, Phuket’s pristine islands, palm-lined beaches, ancient temples and abundant waterparks make it one of the world’s best family holiday destinations. Whether your crew are after relaxation by the beach, adventuring in jungle surroundings or an all-inclusive stay to sip and sample at a whim, there’s a Phuket family resort tailored to what you’re looking for.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
This all-inclusive slice of Kata Noi bliss is tried-and-true indulgence for families. The jungle-enclosed resort occupies 850 metres of one of Phuket’s best and less-frequented beachfronts, with calm waters during high season (November to April) – perfect for safe, leisurely swims, sans the crowds.
Six restaurants serving everything from pizzas and pasta to grilled seafood and traditional Thai are on hand to satisfy all tastes, plus six bars. Little ones are entertained from dawn to dusk thanks to the Aqua Play area with waterslides and Chang Noi Kids’ Club, which offers summer camp activities like t-shirt painting and mocktail-making.
A complimentary shuttle to pumping Patong (25 minutes) and Phuket Town (40 minutes) means you can swing easily between the island’s hottest sights, like Andamanda Phuket Waterpark (30 minutes) and the Big Buddha (25 minutes). Want space for the whole crew? Opt for a Grand Deluxe room near the kids’ club, or a Family Suite.
Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa
Equipped with water slides for all ages (some up to 12 metres high), kiddie pools and a playground, the village-style Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa is one of the best family hotels in Phuket. Little ones can burn off energy all day long at this kids’ paradise, before replenishing at the resort’s three restaurants, which include a poolside option for fuss-free feeding when they’re too busy to eat.
Meanwhile, parents can rejuvenate with a signature treatment at Kanda Spa, learn famous Thai recipes during a cooking class, dine poolside and revel in the resort’s central location, ideally located within the resort town of Karon.
Beyond Kata
With sparkling new rooms thanks to a 2023 renovation, the beloved Beyond Kata on the popular Kata Beach remains a Phuket flop-and-drop favourite. Think palm-fringed pools (including two dedicated kids’ pools with daily activities), and plenty of sunny enclaves to enjoy free-flow tipples with Andaman Sea views.
It offers some excellent all-inclusive packages and upgrades with great value for families. Meals are served al fresco at Atrium Cafe, with a range of Western and Asian delights, light bites beside the sea at Beach Bar & Restaurant and snacks and drinks at the Poolside Bar. Plus, with a location just 20 minutes from night markets and central Phuket, more Thai delicacies are within easy reach.
Banyan Tree Phuket
After a slice of island paradise? Banyan Tree Phuket, an all-villa retreat nestled in the jungles near Bang Tao Beach, is the ultimate base for a family of adventurers. A roomy Two-Bedroom Villa offers a family of four plenty of space and privacy with a swimming pool, jet pool, Thai sala and terrace.
There’s no time to get bored, with outdoor recreation including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, cycling paths, a lagoon primed for watersports and paddleboarding, as well as a pool and beach. Young explorers can hone their skills at the Rangers’ Club, which offers experiences from batik painting to bird watching, while multiple eateries offering kids’ menus guarantee even the picky eaters will get in on the gastronomy.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Phuket Marriott is famous with families – and for good reason, given it boasts three pools, a kiddie pool with a splash pad, an incredible 10 restaurants and bars onsite and a kids’ club complete with a ball pit. Little ones will leave their holiday with greater knowledge of the local wildlife and reef system after visits to the resort’s own Reef Education Center and Butterfly Sanctuary, while older kids can learn the art of Muay Thai. Families can also purchase an M Passport package, which means children eat free from the kids’ menu, and all-important connecting rooms are at your disposal (subject to availability).
The Slate Phuket
A breathtaking blend of avant-garde and Thai tradition, The Slate Phuket invites parents to unwind. From 9am to 5pm the kids can let their imaginations run wild with origami, mask-making, chef classes, kickboxing and more at Tin Box Kids’ Club, with babysitting services on request. Meanwhile, parents can browse the resort’s collection of artworks, enjoy a meal for two at an array of exquisite dining venues, try their hand at snooker at Tongkah Tin Syndicate or refresh at Coquoon Spa. Three dreamy pools offer endless spots to soak up the sunshine as the kids splash around while expansive suites – some with their own plunge pool – provide more than enough room for the whole family.
Trisara
Tucked away on a private cove in northwest Phuket, Trisara is the ultimate secluded getaway, fit for a small army of travellers. This ultra-luxurious stay boasts a selection of dreamy pool villas, taking the idea of a family holiday to the next level. The Trisara kids’ clubhouse plays host to a range of daily activities the little ones will love, while a coral reef at the resort’s fringe is the perfect spot for family snorkelling trips. While you’re making the most of your time in paradise, DDEN, the resort’s in-house digital studio is there to capture it – the perfect keepsake to treasure those special family moments.
After more family-friendly inspiration? Check out The Best Family-Friendly Holidays in Australia or Bali’s Best Family-Friendly Resorts.
